Recently, I took the opportunity to introduce my daughters to the charming concept of pen pals, a nostalgic practice from a time before instant messaging and social media dominated our communication. With a lively tone, I shared with them, “When I was your age, I had a pen pal! We exchanged letters, and even though we never met, we became friends. We talked about our likes and dislikes, asked each other questions, and sometimes even included stickers! Imagine receiving a letter in the mail that’s just for you!” My 7-year-old looked at me blankly, making me realize that perhaps I had built it up too much.
However, my older daughter, Lily, soon transformed her thoughtful expression into a smile. I was initially directing the conversation toward her cousin, Mia, who lives in New Jersey and is just a few days younger. I thought if Lily embraced the idea, my younger daughter would likely follow suit. But then it hit me—my girls are quite different in their interests. What excites one might bore the other. Lily eventually penned a letter to a friend who relocated last year, while I’m still coaxing Mia into the idea. At least we managed to get a letter written and sent off, so that’s something.
I must admit, I was taken aback by the effort needed to pique their interest in pen pals. You might assume that introducing this concept would be quick, but from the initial discussion to the letter being dropped in the mailbox, it took several hours. You may wonder if my children have access to smartphones or social media platforms that allow them to communicate instantly. Although they have video-called a few times from my laptop, the answer is no; they are currently free from phones and texts. They weren’t dismissing the idea of traditional mail outright; they simply didn’t seem as intrigued as I had anticipated.
This led me to ponder the relevance of letter writing in today’s digital age. Technology has significantly diminished the necessity for handwritten communication. While I appreciate the convenience of instant messaging, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the joy of receiving a personal letter, as opposed to bills or advertisements. The experience of writing back has always held a special place in my heart. In a world driven by technology, have we lost the art of putting pen to paper? Would a handwritten letter from a friend be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives?
Even at their young ages, my daughters’ lives are not overwhelmingly busy. Nonetheless, I’m uncertain how lasting the pen pal experience will be or how much significance they will attach to it. At the very least, I am pleased to have introduced them to the practice of letter writing. Even if they only exchange one letter, I hope they cherish the delight of opening the mailbox to find a letter from a friend.
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Summary:
In a digital age where instant communication is the norm, introducing children to the concept of pen pals can be a delightful yet challenging endeavor. Despite initial resistance, the experience of letter writing holds potential for joy and connection. Exploring the value of handwritten communication in today’s world may inspire a deeper appreciation for personal connections, even in a technologically driven society.